Santa Clara is a lively provincial city with an attractive central park (Park Vidal). It’s famous for its connection to Ernesto Che Guevara who, in December 1958, directed the attacked on an armored train that belonged to the army of General Fulgencio Batista. This action marked the end of the control of the dictator over the island.

The well-known Battle of Santa Clara was the moment that marked the turning point in favor of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. The rebels, led by Guevara, derailed the train moments before the battle began, the armored train being full of troops and supplies that Batista was sending to the eastern end of the country. As a result of these actions, Santa Clara was take by the Rebel Army on December 31 1958; Batista fled Cuba less than 12 hours later.

Built 20 years after his death in Bolivia, the Monument to Ernesto Che Guevara is the main tourist attraction in the city and a place of pilgrimage for many. The impressive mausoleum also houses the remains of Guevara known as the Heroic Guerrilla, and also the remains of the 16 combatants who died with him in Bolivia in 1967.

Santa Clara was founded on July 15 1689 and among the first original residents were various families from the town of Remedios who escaped from the constant pirate attacks that plagued this small community close to the sea.

The Vidal Park is the geographical and social center of the city. Normally, cultural activities are held here every weekend. A visit to the Santa Clara Cigar Factory is obligatory for cigar lovers. The low-key tours here are much more authentic than those in Havana.